Toyota pressed on sale of EVs in Thailand

[snoop1130]

Toyota pressed on sale of EVs in Thailand

By Kingsley Wijayasinha
THE NATION

 

(Photo credit: Royal Thai Government's website)

 

The government has urged Toyota, the world’s largest auto producer, to start sale of EVs (electric vehicles) in Thailand as soon as possible, despite experts' view that it would take much longer than expected.

 

Toyota officials, led by Asia Pacific president Susumu Matsuda, met with deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak on September 4 and confirmed Thailand's status as a key production hub of the automaker.

 

Somkid said Toyota had invested in hybrid vehicle production here, in order to create an economy of scale for the future.

 

“We have told Toyota to speed up the launch EVs in Thailand in line with the country's goal of becoming a production and export hub for electric vehicles,” he said.

 

Toyota currently has four EV models that should go on sale in Thailand, rather than the conventional hybrids, he said. 

 

“Toyota may want to maximise profits from previous investments before adjusting (its product lineup), but we have told them to make a swift decision because the new generation of Thai motorists prefers EVs to vehicles powered by combustion engines,” Somkid said.

 

Somkid did not mention a timeframe, but industry experts have expressed doubts that Toyota would speed up its plan for EVs in Thailand, or even go a step up with PHEVs (Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles). as was the case with several European luxury car makers.

 

“Toyota is a very big company and large delivery of each model is required,” said an industry source. “Small volume models have been taken off the market before. For Toyota to start offering PHEVs or EVs in Thailand, there must be a significant demand and this will take at least 5-10 years.”

 

Somkid also asked Toyota to consider developing the Thai workers' skills, particularly in engineering and automotive technologies.

 

“We have collaborated with leading companies including Google and Huawei. Toyota’s participation in human resources development in Thailand will be rewarded with additional privileges from the Thai government. Also, it will further strengthen our bond with Japan,” he said, adding that Thailand could also serve as Toyota's human resources centre for CLMV countries.

 

The Japanese automaker currently assembles hybrid vehicles in Thailand with the Camry and newly-launched Corolla coming in hybrid versions.

 

Toyota officials said hybrids have three major components – traction motor, battery management system and drive control unit. It wants the Thai government to look into battery-production costs as EVs require a large number of batteries.

 

The government is also interested in working with Toyota on smart farming. The Japanese automaker has already done much research and development in this field for the benefits of Thai farmers.

 

Source: nationthailand.com/business/30375873

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-09-05

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[rickudon]

I've seen a few hybrids this year but only one pure electric car (a Tesla!). No-one in their right minds would buy a pure Electric car as the charging infrastructure is pitiful. Also I can just see the electricity grid crashing at 6 p.m. every night when the commuters get home …..

 

Electric bikes should be promoted first.

[ThomasThBKK]

8 minutes ago, rickudon said:

I've seen a few hybrids this year but only one pure electric car (a Tesla!). No-one in their right minds would buy a pure Electric car as the charging infrastructure is pitiful. Also I can just see the electricity grid crashing at 6 p.m. every night when the commuters get home …..

 

Electric bikes should be promoted first.

i looked at Model X prices here, 200k USD ... absolutely hilarious for a car you can't charge.

[madhav]

If you live in Bangkok and most major towns around Bangkok, you can definitely charge it. There would be over 100 charge stations easily. There are apps to assist.

 

The government and PEA are working together to provide surplus for charging, they reported they have about 40% surplus for exactly this, so no chance of overloading.

 

Once they start rolling out the 350kw chargers waiting in line will be a thing of the past. Can charge 10-80% in 7 min or so for typical 50kw batteries.

 

As for prices, I couldn’t agree more, is absurd. The government is supposedly considering lowering taxes and duties for EV and offering incentives (like any country with half a brain would) but really they appear to be dragging their feet. It should have been done years ago. 

 

All the BEV in Thailand cost more than twice what they should. The base model Tesla model 3 should cost 1 million baht, and for this price it is super good value. It has received very positive reviews all over the world. But in Thailand they tax it more than a diesel pickup. 

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/1738659/government-readies-further-ev-measures

[rickudon]

Couldn't find a real answer to how many charging stations or where they are. One source (in Thai) said I think 131 …... still a long way to go!

[taichiplanet]

looks like Honda are putting out the Urban EV in Europe. If the tariffs in Thailand were low for EVs (if it gets released here) then i'd probably buy one, but guessing tariffs would be too high. I only do short trips anyway and would recharge at home. For the very rare occasion i need to drive a longer distance, then would hire something.

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/honda/e-electric-ev/

[madhav]

54 minutes ago, taichiplanet said:

looks like Honda are putting out the Urban EV in Europe. If the tariffs in Thailand were low for EVs (if it gets released here) then i'd probably buy one, but guessing tariffs would be too high. I only do short trips anyway and would recharge at home. For the very rare occasion i need to drive a longer distance, then would hire something.

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/honda/e-electric-ev/

I did see it also, love the interior, and the handling will be awesome. Just not so sold on the price considering the specs. The mini BEV seems a little better value. 26k GBP is a better price. I think the new 3rd gen Renault Zoe is also decent value. But they all still are opting to use slow charge tech at around 50kw. Porsche is up to 350kw. 

[Jitar]

What has selling EVs in LOS got to do with being an export hub?    

If the government wants Toyota to sell EV's. some incentive to give them an advantage in the market would create demand and Toyota would follow.  

Most of Thailand's electricity is generated from coal so the environmental benefits wont amount to much.